Guy Barnett,Minister for Energy
The Gas Industry and Gas Safety Bill, which cuts red tape and streamlines the administration of Tasmania's gas supply industry, reducing costs and improving safety, has been passed by both houses of Government.
Gas remains an important energy source for our State and is a significant cost of living issue for many Tasmanian households and businesses.
The reforms, which replace the Gas Act 2000 and Gas Pipelines Act 2000, will ensure best practice regulation across gas infrastructure, installations and appliances. This will lead to cost savings and improved safety in the industry, putting further downward pressure on prices for business and residential customers.
This Bill provides continuity to industry and business, removes unwarranted regulatory burden and underpins confidence in our economy, which is in the best interests of Tasmania.
The reforms also create a recourse for customers who have been refused supply due to existing bad debt or their previous credit rating, providing the Minister with a clear pathway to assist where appropriate.
The Hodgman Liberal Government will continue to pursue our Tasmania-First Energy Policy to ensure Tasmanians have access to the nation's lowest regulated power prices by 2022.
